McDermott leads SMU past Pittsburgh, 28-6

By Charles Odum
Associated Press

Published: Saturday, Jan. 7 2012 12:00 a.m. MST

Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Shanahan (87) catches a pass for a first down over SMU defensive back Chris Banjo (23) in the first half of the BBVA Compass Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Birmingham, Ala. (Butch Dill, Associated Press)

Rishaad Wimbley ran for two scores for SMU (8-5), which tied a school record by playing in its third straight bowl under coach June Jones.

McDermott completed 16 of 26 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown, to Darius Johnson early in the first.

Pittsburgh (6-7) was held without a first down and fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter. Kevin Harper kicked field goals of 32 and 34 yards.

The Panthers were coached by defensive coordinator Keith Patterson, who took over after Todd Graham left to coach at Arizona State.

Pittsburgh's newly hired coach, former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, flew into Birmingham on Saturday and watched the game from the press box level.

SMU wide receiver Darius Johnson (3) catches a pass for a touchdown against Pittsburgh in the first half of the BBVA Compass Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Birmingham, Ala. (Butch Dill, Associated Press)

Chryst visited with Pitt alumni and fans before the game. He said he wanted to maintain a respectful distance from the team until the game ended, signaling the start of his era.

"This is the culmination of their season," Chryst said. "This wasn't me."

Chryst said he has "a lot of appreciation for how they're finishing things out" after Graham's unexpected exit.

McDermott beat Pitt's blitz when lobbed a 50-yard touchdown pass to Darius Johnson for the Mustangs' first touchdown.

Johnson had seven catches for 120 yards. The 50-yard catch was the longest in the six-year history of the bowl.

After McDermott's 1-yard run capped an eight-play drive to push the lead to 14-0, Ja'Gared Davis hit Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Taylor Reed at the Panthers' 27.

SMU quarterback Garrett Krstich (15) looks for a receiver against Pittsburgh in the first half of BBVA Compass Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Birmingham, Ala. (Butch Dill, Associated Press)

A series of key plays went against Pitt in the second quarter. Following the field goal, Pitt recovered an onside kick, but the officials said there was an inadvertent whistle before the ball was recovered. Pitt fans booed as the officials said another kickoff was necessary.

With SMU still leading 21-3 later in the quarter, Pitt drove from its 16 to a first and goal at the Mustangs' 10. On third down from the 5, Sunseri's pass bounced off tailback Isaac Bennett. The deflection was caught by SMU linebacker Stephon Sanders for an interception.

The half ended with Pitt again coming away with no points at the end of a long drive. Harper's 47-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright to end a 14-play drive.

SMU running back Rishaad Wimbley (29) runs in for a touchdown over Pittsburgh offensive linesman Arthur Doakes (56) in the first half of the BBVA Compass Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Birmingham, Ala. (Butch Dill, Associated Press)

SMU running back Jared Williams appeared to hurt his leg and was carted off the field with 13:57 remaining in the game. Williams' left leg was placed in a brace before he was placed on a stretcher.

Williams led the Mustangs with 11 carries for 40 yards before the injury.